Unai Emery is reportedly thought to be keen on Daniele Rugani to solve his central defensive issues, with Juventus open to selling the Italian.
Juventus have embarked on yet another impressive summer transfer window. The Turin side have bought in quality players to bolster their ranks, and this could lead to some of their present stars departing. According to The Sun, the Italian champions are ready to let Daniele Rugani leave the Allianz Stadium, with Arsenal among the clubs showing an interest.
Arsenal are in a dire situation with respect to their defence. The Gunners have been trailing a host of defenders and have finally made some headway in their chase for William Saliba. The Gunners are still chasing Kieran Tierney and also want another centre-back. There is also a problem with Laurent Koscielny, who is forcing an exit from the club. Emery is looking at options to replace him.
One of the options which might be available this summer is Juventus defender Rugani. Since Maurizio Sarri’s appointment at the helm in Turin, the club have made the massive signing of Matthijs de Ligt. The headline signing has thus, sent Rugani down the pecking order, below the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. He looks destined to leave the club this summer.
Rugani, since signing for Juventus from Empoli back in 2012, has never really threatened to derail the partnership of Bonucci and Chiellini. In the seven years that he has been at the club, Rugani has managed only 69 Serie A appearances. His low standing in the team could make him the first defensive player who Sarri might let go.
Emery is in dire need of defensive reinforcements to help his team step up ahead of the new season. The Spanish manager is all but resigned to losing captain Koscielny and with Shkodran Mustafi being an unreliable figure, Arsenal need an immediate solution to their central defensive woes, with Saliba expected to return to Saint-Etienne after completing his move.
Ruben Dias were among those linked with a move to the Emirates, but those links have gone cold in the last few weeks. However, if the rumour of an interest in Rugani is correct, then Emery would certainly bank upon the player to become a stable force for his side next term.
Considered to be one of the most talented defenders to come out of Italy in recent years, the Italian international ought to be an upgrade on most options at Emery’s disposal. But, if Arsenal are to sign him, will he fit in well and in time for the new season?
Those questions would be answered if the Gunners make precise movements to sign him, but there will also be the question of how much he will cost. In all, he could become a good signing in what has so far been an underwhelming summer for Arsenal.
